Daily
Sarasota
Wednesday, November 26th, 2025
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 26th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Mission in Motion, a subgroup of Tuesday Live at Harvest United Methodist Church, has been delivering donations to local charities in Lakewood Ranch for three and a half years & now supports eight organizations with clothes, toys & essential items as volunteers sort and distribute donations each week. Observer
- ➤ Copenhagen Imports is running a promotion that offers up to a $400 rebate on each Stressless furniture piece when customers donate $50 or more to Resurrection House in Sarasota through January 20—this effort has raised over $65,000 in thirteen years to support essential services like showers, laundry, and counseling. The store’s initiative provides a way for residents to invest in quality furniture while giving back to the community. Observer
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Big Book of Savings shows holiday deals, special offers and gift ideas from local businesses. The digital guide also features the Wish & Win Sweepstakes for a chance to win prizes this season. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Aldi will open 13 new stores in Florida in December, with 10 grand openings on Dec. 11 and 3 on Dec. 4; each store will hold an 8:45 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony and offer the first 100 customers a gift bag plus a chance to win a 500 gift card (including a location at Southeast Plaza in Sarasota). Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ The Greater Sarasota Chamber promoted four team members—Pete Bartosik to senior program manager, Isabella Alvarado as membership and events associate, Zach Henkel to director of membership investment, and Allie Petschke as communications associate—to boost leadership and engagement in the business community. Observer
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Shark Lady Musical, a show honoring Sarasota’s famed Eugenie Clark, will debut at Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center—525 Kumquat Court on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m. Writer Christina Meiping Chen said the play will use live music and acting to share the early challenges and achievements of Clark in marine science. Sarasota Magazine
- ➤ Folk musician Tom Lubben will perform at a Hermitage Sunsets concert at Benderson Park on Dec. 3 — he will present fresh arrangements of folk classics with Key Chorale to help bridge community divisions. Observer
- ➤ Local Twain impersonator Alan Kitty is launching the first annual Mark Twain Festival at Crocker Church in Pioneer Park on Dec. 6 to celebrate the noted author's 190th birthday — the event will serve as an appetizer for the Broadway touring show 'Mark Twain Tonight!' starring Richard Thomas scheduled for Dec. 19 and 20. Observer
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Kelly Rozelle, a Venice High School teacher, was named Sarasota County Schools’ Teacher of the Year and said her students were the heart of the honor. She attended a Florida Teacher Lead Network workshop to learn new methods and will pass the torch at the December Ignite Education Teacher of the Year Awards—continuing her role as a leader in education. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Longboat Key is spending $705,000 to repair storm damage at parks—Joan M. Durante Park repairs are nearly finished and expected to complete by early December while Quick Point Nature Preserve work will finish by early April. These repairs help restore cherished green spaces for residents and visitors. Observer
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota Station is a 202-unit affordable housing project in Park East that will break ground in January after funding closes on Dec. 2—this project fulfills a 12-year plan begun by the late Harvey Vengroff and is supported by a $15 million county grant and the Live Local Act. The city gave Administrative Site Plan approval and the development will include studios, one- and two-bedroom units with spaces reserved for teachers, first responders, and other local workers. Sarasota Magazine
- ➤ Jebcore Companies and WMG Development, in partnership with Hilton, have announced Waldorf Astoria Residences Sarasota as the redevelopment of the Zenith building at Five Points. The 18-story mixed-use project under city review will replace the old office tower with 86 condos—plus 42,000 square feet of commercial space and seven attainable housing units. Observer
- ➤ The redeveloper of the former Sarasota Square Mall secured Whole Foods as its anchor tenant—leasing 35,828 square feet—and signed leases with HomeSense, three fast-casual restaurants, and Charles Schwab for the new retail area. The mixed-use project will include 1,200 luxury residential units and 530,000 square feet of retail space with pedestrian-friendly districts, while residential construction will begin in the first quarter. Observer
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Florida Turkey Trot
8 a.m. — Nathan Benderson Park — $23.14-$55.23 — Participate in a fun 5K run/walk with a Thanksgiving theme, complete with medals and mimosas.
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Runaway Gin - Phish Tribute
7-8:30 p.m. — Big Top Live — Ticketed event — Experience the electrifying tribute of Runaway Gin, hailed as the world's most notable Phish tribute project.
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Ezra Ray Hart Concert
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall — Last-minute tickets available — Experience the musical talents of Ezra Ray Hart live in Sarasota.
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Frozen Musical Performance
Dec 4-21 — Manatee Performing Arts Center — Check website for pricing — Discover the enchanting story of Frozen live on stage with spectacular effects and beloved songs.
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Cabana Dogs Live Performance
7:30-11:30 p.m. — Freckled Fin Irish Pub — Cover charge may apply — Enjoy high-energy beach rock sounds with a mix of rock, country, and soul.
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Yaya Diamond and the Dream Chasers Concert
7:30 p.m. — FSU Center for the Performing Arts — Check website for ticket prices — Experience the musical journey of Yaya Diamond and her talented Dream Chasers.
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Boston Marathon & Half Marathon Qualifier in Sarasota
6:30 AM – 12:30 PM — Nathan Benderson Park — Registration fee applies — Aiming to qualify for Boston? This could be your chance to set a personal record on a perfect course.
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Inside the Art World
11 AM – 12 PM — Sarasota Art Museum — Free entry — Explore contemporary art trends and insights with expert Elana Rubinfeld in an engaging and informal discussion.
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Ryan Faraday Performance
5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Check local listings for cost — Enjoy an evening of live music featuring the talented guitarist and vocalist Ryan Faraday.
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PINC Experience 2025
8 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Sarasota Opera House — Early bird rates available — A day of world-class speakers and bold ideas sparking Sarasota's creativity.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The creative adult is the child who survived.
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